Thoracic epidural analgesia and immediate extubation for less than 10 kg infants undergoing living donor liver transplantation: A report of two successful cases

Abstract

Background Perioperative pain management in small infants weighing <10 kg undergoing liver transplantation is challenging. The use of TEA in this setting has not been reported, as well as its potential role to facilitate IE, ie, in the OR. Methods We describe here the use of TEA in two small infants who had IE after a LDLT procedure. Results TEA was successfully performed and IE was achieved in both cases. Postoperative analgesia assessment in the OR was satisfactory according to the FLACC pain scale, with scores of 2 and 3 for each patient, respectively. There were no major complications in the postoperative period, and the two children were discharged home uneventfully. Conclusions The use of TEA and its influence on IE rate and other perioperative outcomes should be more explored in small infants undergoing LDLT.